Retrofestival 2018

Firstly, I would like to say “Get Well Soon” to Wayne who went into hospital for a planned operation shortly after taking me to this event.

A festival of throwback celebration took place at Newbury Showground this weekend. There were cars, other vehicles of all shapes and sizes, memorabilia stalls, music and dancing, mobile hairdresser, tattoo artists, and even a fashion show to display the greatest vintage couture from bygone days. Many of these examples were available to buy in the vintage traders’ village.

My eye was drawn towards a cast iron railway sign that must have covered many miles of track attached to the wall of a carriage toilet advising not to use the loo while the train was in a station. Just the thing for my bathroom door. The trader recognised me from last year and as a returning customer, I was able to negotiate a good discount. There were many other tempting offers, including a frame of mounted limited-edition pin badges which I couldn’t resist.

Then I tracked down a cheese and bacon burger with a large portion of chips to be washed down with a diet coke (other brands available), before heading for a stage where “My Favourite Things” (a 1940s vocal trio) were singing light period songs.

As I was in a musical vein, I headed for a 1950’s Rock & Roll stage where I could hear a band was playing. Inside there was much dancing with a lot of the audience fully dressed up in period costume for the occasion. I suppose that the purchase of a CD was inevitable, and this has since been listened to quite a few times.

I would recommend this annual event as a thoroughly good day out with many tarmac pathways making wheelchair access easy. There are more pictures in the gallery. Admission was £15.